Jerry Hamilton

I moved to Tennessee in August of '05 after 33 years in Florida. I had to buy my fish at the store cuz I couldn't catch any. On a trip to Normandy lake, while tying down the boat after yet another unproductive trip, I met Jerry Hamilton. I the heat of summer I didn't know that you could catch Crappie, and Jerry had 4 over 2lbs in the live well. I was stoked. A few weeks later I was in Jerry's 20' Lund Tyee and he began the process of learning how. This put Jerry in a special place in my heart, and planted a seed that has yet begun to slow in it's growth. We weren't the best of friends that spoke often and us and the wives shared a meal or the like, but whenever we saw each other we always caught up on things. That first day I fished with him I told him that I would buy the biscuits. he said "Don't forget Petey". That was his dog, and it showed that it ate what he did. He was old and had to picked up and put in the boat, which he did with a smile in exchange for Petey's company. Saw him last year with his Rottweiler, also good sized, and asked if it was the rotties turn. His voice cracked and he had a hard time telling me that Petey had come to lay next to his chair, nuzzled his hand, and quietly passed away. He wasn't the only one fighting back the tears that morning, as I knew their friendship. As with any big lake, there are regulars that see each other on the lake and visit with each other and keep up on new brushpiles, trees, ledges and so forth. Robert, Pete, and a few others fit this group, and I say hello to each as best I can. I fished next to Pete today, and as things were slow we caught up on things. For several reasons I haven't fished much since early July and have been out of the loop. I said something to Pete that I had gotten broken off in a pile of steel chair frames Jerry had put in, and the conversation went here and there until he said something about how Jerry had put in a bunch of structure before he died. I froze. I talked over him and told him to back up and tell me about it. It seems that he was at home, after fishing for the morning, watching TV and eating pizza when his heart failed and he was called home. He was a production supervisor for Jack Daniels for many years, and his wife is financially cared for. Knowing the man, you would expect no less. He will be missed by those of us who knew him, you all know how hard good folks are to find. So friends, we have lost yet another from our ranks, one that I felt moved to tell you about, and I ask you to do this. The next time you have the chance, raise your glass and just say "Jerry", I'm sure he will be listening.

Good friendships aren't based on the amount of time people spend together, it's about the bond and memories made. Sorry for the loss of your friend.

I pray the family finds comfort in their faith. I am sorry for the loss of your friend.

Sorry for your loss of a good friend .

I meet Jerry once. Very nice guy. May he rest in peace.

Here you go Skeet. Sounds like a fine friend.